A fresh wave of violence in Manipur’s Bishnupur district has resulted in the deaths of three villagers and injuries to five others. The incident occurred in Khoijumantabi village during the early hours of Sunday. The victims, known as “village volunteers,” were engaged in guarding the area when they came under attack from unidentified gunmen. The violence adds to the escalating tensions in Manipur, with over 100 lives lost since May 3 in clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Details of the Incident:
The tragic incident unfolded when the village volunteers were stationed in a makeshift bunker, carrying out their duties of protecting the area. An exchange of fire with unidentified gunmen erupted, leading to the deaths of three volunteers. Initially, two bodies were discovered, with the third one being recovered later. The fierce gunfight continued for several hours until noon, further heightening the tense atmosphere in the region.
Ethnic Composition of Manipur:
Manipur, a northeastern state of India, has a diverse population. The tribal communities of Nagas and Kukis, constituting around 40 percent of the population, inhabit the hill districts of the state. The recent violence has largely been between these two communities.
Efforts to Restore Peace:
He expressed optimism that the situation would improve within 7 to 10 days. However, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram cautioned Sarma against intervening in Manipur’s conflict, suggesting that it would be best if he refrained from doing so. Chidambaram also proposed the resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, and the imposition of President’s Rule for a few months as a possible solution.
Relaxation of Restrictions in Imphal West:
In a separate development, the authorities relaxed the restrictions imposed under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Manipur’s Imphal West district for Sunday. The decision was made due to the significant improvement in the law and order situation in the district. The relaxation was intended to allow residents to purchase essential items, including medicines and food.
The violent clashes in Manipur’s Bishnupur district resulting in the deaths of three village volunteers highlight the fragile security situation in the region. The ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed numerous lives over the past few months, exacerbating tensions. Efforts are underway to restore peace, with the state and central governments involved in addressing the situation. However, it remains a challenging task to achieve lasting harmony and stability in Manipur.